Environmental impact assessment of energy and power system transformation in China

Abstract

[Objective] Building a new type of electric system based on renewable energies, such as wind power and photovoltaic power, is an important measure to achieve carbon neutrality. China has a vast land area with significant differences in energy resource endowment, energy production structure, economic development level, and regional specialization for energy production. To achieve the “dual carbon” goals at a national scale, it is necessary to implement regionally differentiated action plans. [Methods] Starting from the analysis of the seven major power grid regions in China, using the methods of life cycle assessment and GIS-MCDA model, combined with the future electricity demand and proportion of each province, to quantify the environmental impact of energy and power system transformation on the Chinese region. [Results] The results of this study show that: (1) From 2015 to 2020, the environmental pressure on China and each of its seven regions continuously increased, with the East China and North China regions being the main emitting areas. (2) From 2025 to 2060, building an energy system based on new energy sources can greatly reduce the environmental pressure, except for the non-biomass exhaustion potential. (3) Overall, coal-based power generation has a higher environmental impact than other energy types (except for non-biomass exhaustion potential), and hydroelectric power generation has the smallest environmental impact among the five selected energy types. [Conclusion] The research results can provide a scientific basis for China to achieve the “dual carbon” goals through energy transformation, and also have some reference value for the government to make improved policy decisions.

Keywords

• |life cycle assessment|dual carbon goals|environmental impact|energy and power system|energy transformation